Network compatible and modular

TopMessage are modular devices for data acquisition and automation. A master/slave design makes TopMessage suitable for both small and large applications that require the processing of thousands of channels. Master and slave devices can each accommodate two I/O modules. There is a range of I/O modules for users to select an appropriate module(s) for their application. I/O modules are available for any number of channels and sensor types. A network interface enables TopMessage devices to be integrated into a TCP network or to be directly connected to a PC workstation or laptop/netbook computer. Online measurement data can be transmitted, saved and processed. The data can be stored simultaneously within the TopMessage device itself.

TopLab is identical in construction and functionality to TopMessage – only their housings differ. TopMessage devices are designed for rail-mounted installations, and TopLab, with its 4 mm plugs, for laboratory applications.

Product features

• Data acquisition and automation

• Data transmission via LAN (internet / intranet)
• Data storage capability for independent operation
• Modular and scalable
• Full potential isolation
• Universal inputs and outputs
• Control and automation functions
• Signal conditioning within the device
• Connection to external equipment and PLC control
• Configuration via PC

Universal connectivity

TopMessage's universal inputs enable the connection of signals of any type including non-isolated signals. This means costly measurement transducers are usually not necessary. Potential isolation between channels as well as differential inputs saves both time and money.

Universal inputs enable any unit of measurement to be acquired (e.g. temperature, pressure flow, vibration etc.). Data then undergoes direct scaling and linearization. Conversions from mA to bar or ml/min take place directly within the TopMessage device. High measurement precision is achieved though the use of 24-bit resolution Sigma Delta converters and enables the connection of the smallest of signals (e.g. thermocouples).

Various Applications

• Multi-channel data acquisition
• Monitoring and alarm management
• Test stand automation
• Product testing
• Quality assurance
• Monitoring of buildings

Easy to configure

An optional integrated data memory can permanently store up to 128 million measurement values without PC-support and with edge or level triggering. The ProfiSignal-Software enables online / offline analysis, visualization and operation from any PC workstation as well as PC-controlled process automation and database communications via ODBC/SQL.

Configuration of the Message devices takes place with the PC user-friendly DataService / Configurator software. Configuration data is processed online and permanently within the devices. Configuration data may be amended and adjusted during measurement runs.

Master and Slaves

The TopMessage series has 2 types of devices: masters and slaves. The master device contains the CPU unit and data storage capability. Salve devices serve as extensions to the master device. Each device can be equipped with 1 or 2 I/O modules.

The TopMessage master is connected via standard cabling with a TCP/IP network. Slave devices are connected to the master via a CAN bus. Any number of master devices can be connected into a network. A maximum of 1000 I/O channels can be processed within a master-slave system.

Modular design

Each device (master or slave) can accommodate 2 different input/output modules. There are no restrictions in to which slots the modules are inserted. Sensors are connected via detachable clamps. For servicing, the rows of clamps can easily be removed by undoing 2 screws without having to disconnect any cabling.

Necessary steps for project planning:

• Create a list of analog and digital channels
• Allocate channels to modules
• Allocate modules to master and slave devices

Standard module measuring rate

Even with large numbers of channels the measuring rate is not affected by the number of input/output modules, with a maximum rate of 600Hz for standard modules. Each module is equipped with an A/D converter. A multiplexer consecutively connects each separate measurement channel.

Very precise measurement accuracy; resolution 24 bit; Autocalibration.

AMDT module features

• 8 channels for vibration and dynamic measuring
• ADFT for dynamic measuring in time domain signals
• AMDT/V for frequency and time domain signals. Simultaneous calculation of characteristic values

Connecting to the PC world via Ethernet

TopMessage devices can be easily connected up to existing data networks. Large quantities of data can be transferred and accessed via PCs.

The TopMessage master device (see illustration) is connected to the Ethernet using standard cabling. Practically any number of master devices can exist within a data network.

TopMessage devices support current network functions:

• static IP addresses
• DHCP (Dynamic Host Name)
• FTP (reading data storage)
• http (internal web pages)
• SNTP (time synchronization)
• SMTP (sending emails)

Connecting slaves via CAN-Bus

The TopMessage master can be extended using slave devices. Slaves are connected to the master via a CAN bus. The CAN (Controller Area Network) is a serial bus system with good transfer properties over short distances. Its main benefits are its high levels of reliability and a set maximum waiting time for high priority messages. The CAN bus is therefore capable of real time processing. It has a transfer rate of 1Mbit/s (adjustable for long cable lines).

Connecting external devices via RS232/485 ports

The TopMessage device is equipped with two independent serial ports which can be used for both the connecting up to PC software (bus manager) or external devices. They can be used for importing data (from weighing machines) or exporting data (display systems). Data exchange is configured via COMPORT (channels). The required interface parameters for the corresponding mode can be configured here. Industry standard protocols are also available such as Modbus RTU, Profibus DP Slave (optional) and Modbus LAN.

Connecting a PLC via Profibus interface

A serial port can also be utilized as a Profibus DP slave port. The TopMessage device can then read and write signals from a PLC device. At the same time values can be transmitted to the PLC - a 2-way link exists between the PLC and TopMessage device.

Connecting to a modem via the RS232 port

The RS232 port is intended as a modem link. Measurement data stored in the TopMessage data logger can be transmitted at predetermined time intervals.

Data transmission via telephone and radio telecommunications

TopMessage does not differentiate between data networks and external data transmission. This means all functions available for network processing are also available for external data transmission. Because data can be stored locally within a Message device, uninterrupted data transmission to a central server, at low telephone costs, can be performed without the need for any PC support. Using the internet can further reduce costs. In the event of a malfunction an immediate warning is issued with the automatic sending by email of fault messages and fault occurrences.

Event log with pre and post history

Events and scenarios can be configured into the system. Malfunction messages can be allocated to these events with data and pre and post history being saved. Switch outputs can also be set enabling the production of warnings and alarms. In network environments emails can also be issued.

Made possible by state-of-the-art DSP technology

The AMDT/V module in the TopMessage system provides vibration analysis and monitoring in one system. TopMessage's modular system enables the simultaneous monitoring of both machine vibration and process values such as temperature and pressure.

Module AMDT/V - technical specifications

Potential isolation

Potential isolation of the entire module and analog circuit board Additional optical isolation of digital input and outputs and CAN interface

8 analog inputs, measuring range +/-25V / +/-10V / +/-2.5V /+/-1V,
14 bit resolution, synchronous sampling,
Maximum sampling rate 200KHz (4 channels at 50KHz, or 8 channels at 25KHz),
Anti-Alias-Filter, type 10 KHz

2 analog outputs, 10 V voltage range, 14 bit resolution

4 digital inputs, galvanic isolated, low-level 0..1.5V, high-level 3.5..90V,
2 with frequency counters, max. 100 KHz

4 digital outputs, galvanic isolated, high-level max. 50V, 2.5A

• Triggering by time, analog or digital input
• Trigger threshold, edge, adjustable polarity
• Asynchronous or synchronous triggering (e.g. machine shaft reference impulse)
• Sampling frequency 1 Hz ..50 kHz with 4 channels or 25 kHz with 8 channels
• Recording density max. 8192 points per channel, max. 8 channels synchronous
• Adjustable pre-triggering within 0..100% range of recording density

• Filter types: low pass, band pass or high pass
• Filter ordering: 2..8, Butterworth characteristic, preselected
• Limit frequency 1 Hz ..10 kHz
• Filter adjustable and channel selective
• Time domain signal
• Averaging of time domain signals (in synchronous triggering)
• Variable data compression

• Flexible setting of frequency range, line numbers and resolution
• FFT algorithm for 256, 1024 or 4096 points with 100, 400 or 1600 lines respectively
• Choice of standard window functions 'Hanning', 'Flat Top', etc.
• Frequency spectra averaging
• Variable data compression

• Flexible configuration via selection list
  Values available:
• Arithmetical average
• Peak to peak value
• TRMS values
• Main vibration amplitude/frequency
• Synchronous shaft vibration amplitude/phase position
• Dual synchronous shaft vibration amplitude/phase position
• Rotation
• Min-Max
• Evaluation of frequency wave

• Threshold value graphs (support procedure) to monitor "time domain signal/frequency spectrum" threshold values
• Threshold values for "vibration measurement value" monitoring
• Configurable digital outputs for "warnings" and "alarms"
• Configurable windows for machine speeds

ProfiSignal Software

The configuration of TopMessage done with the included software "TopMessage Configurator". The representation of the channels is clear and intuitive operation , similar to Windows Explorer. Double-click on a channel will open a configuration dialog in which all channel properties can be adjusted. The individual configuration files are stored in XML format in the TopMessage equipment and can be alternatively edited with an XML editor offline.

All measured values can be transferred online stores and will work on PCs or servers. The visualization or analysis is done with the ProfiSignal software dolphin or OPC Server with any software. This provides the ProfiSignal software in combination with a conventional device TopMessage up to 1000 times higher time resolution than a SCADA system.

In addition ProfiSignal as universal software for data acquisition, test automation and data acquisition applications. The range of application ranging from simple data storage and visualization to a complete automation solution with reporting.

Go with the three different versions, Basic and clicks ProfiSignal is suitable scalable.

• ProfiSignal Go :Software for data acquisition
• ProfiSignal Basic : software for process visualization and monitoring
• ProfiSignal : software for the automation of process and measurement procedures

Application Notes

Below features our collection of application notes and case studies involving this product.

Testing Dishwasher Performance Using Modular Data Acquisition

Quality Assurance Using High-Precision Vacuum Pumps

Marine Diesel Engine Turbochargers On Test Benches

Data Logging With Remote UMTS Access In Natural Gas Dehydration Plants

Online Vibration Monitoring of Gas Turbines

Remote UMTS Access Enables Remote Monitoring for Water Treatment Plant

Diesel Particulate Filter Testing on Vehicles with GPS Logging